High-end coastal destinations are no longer vacation spots: they have become real estate markets in their own right, taken over by the wealthy. Demand is now growing much faster than supply, often structurally limited by the scarcity of land, which fuels a continuous surge in prices. This dynamic is driven by the rapid rise of great fortunes. In 2025, the number of Ultra High-Net-Worth Individuals will jump by nearly 20%, exceeding 510,000 people worldwide, for a cumulative wealth close to $60 trillion.
The Top 5 seaside destinations under pressure
According to Barnes, five destinations today concentrate most of the ultra-prime demand by the sea:
1. Porto Cervo (Sardinia), prices frequently exceed 10 million euros, with the scarcity of land strongly driving up values.
2. Saint-Barthélemy (French Antilles)villas rarely sell for less than 6 to 7 million euros, while ultra-luxury properties now exceed 10 million.
3. The French Riviera (France)the ultra-prime sectors display very high price levels, often above 20,000 euros per square meter, with significantly higher peaks for exceptional properties.
4. The Costa Brava (Spain)more accessible than other ultra-prime markets, the Costa Brava is seeing its prices increase, with high-end villas often valued between 8,000 and 12,000 euros per square meter.
5. Casa de Campo (Dominican Republic)prices remain below European standards for prestigious real estate, but the move upmarket is clear, with premium villas valued at several million euros in a largely off-market market.
All these destinations share the same characteristics: a rare supply and a clientele ready to buy in cash, often off-market.
Saint-Barth: ultra-luxury as a driving force
In Saint-Barthélemy, the outbreak is particularly revealing. In ten years, the average price of a villa has doubled, going from around 3 million euros in 2017 to almost 6 million today. According to Barnes, most expensive properties currently on sale are now trading above 10 million euros, compared to only around 5 million a few years ago. “The very high-end segment is pulling the entire market upwards, with extremely stable international demand.observes the group.
Unlike classic speculative cycles, the observed increase is based on solid fundamentals. “Ultra-wealthy buyers today favor legible marketssecure and capable of providing long-term stability», Analyzes the Barnes group.
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